Housing Benifits
- A Means tested benefit to assist those unable to afford all or part of their rent.
- Many Letting bodies specialise in renting to this category, known as Social Housing: Councils and Housing Association.
- Others refuse to accept such tenants due to the high proportion of associated problems.
- This subject is a self contained topic with ever changing rules.
- Change in material circumstances must be reported to The Benefits Agency.
- Couples separating when in receipt of HB must declare such material change in circumstances.
- Death of a HB recipient spout likewise.
- Prison
- A tenant who is sentenced to a term of imprisoned for longer than 13 weeks is not entitled to HB during the sentence - i.e. he is unlikely to have a home to return to when released from prison often precipitating homelessness.
- Even if it is merely likely the prison sentence will exceed 13 weeks (one quarter) no HB is payable.
- However if the prisoner is on remand HB is payable for up to 52 weeks.
- A family in receipt of HB whose spout or child is imprisoned can affect entitlement or amount of HB
- Even if otherwise entitled to HB if you do not intend to return home upon release you will not be entitled.
- If the landlord will rent to others during your sentence you will not be entitled to HB whilst you are in prison.
- Ironically there are situations where dual payments are allowed: e.g. when moving home up to 4 weeks dual payment may be allowed to secure the new property whilst still obligated to pay current rent. Alternatively a disabled tenant requiring adaptations may be allowed up to 4 weeks for this whilst remaining in previous home.
- Battered or abused tenant spouses or anyone fearing violence from family or from say neighbours may, be allowed up to 52 weeks housing benefit on the main home - only if they intend to return to their old home similar to prisoners on remand, who leave their home for temporary accommodation.
- Large families may be entitled to more than one home with dual benefits.
- For specific relevant matters consult the Benefits Agency.
Published: 28 September 2015
Last Updated: 17 November 2021